Chapter 125. Free Man

All color drained from his face at once. His hands began to shake violently.

The glass case rattled as he gripped the edge for support, and his eyes darted toward the back exit like a trapped animal.

“L-Lord Zayne,” he stammered, his voice cracking. “I-I didn’t expect—please, forgive me, I—I am an owned slave. My master put me in charge of this store. I’ll—”

He started hyperventilating and his knees buckled.

But before he could collapse, Aria caught him.

“Easy there…” she said softly, taking his trembling hands in hers and guiding him carefully to a nearby stool.

I watched her help him sit and tried her best to calm him.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this part of her was genuine.

“Shh, it’s all right,” she cooed. “Breathe with me. In through your nose… out through your mouth. That’s it. You’re safe. No one is going to hurt you. We only came to buy from you—that’s all.”

The old man’s wild eyes locked onto hers but he still wasn't out of